[2015] Mayor’s Speech

We will Put the Safety of Seoul Citizens First.

People’s fear is mounting in the midst of the spread of MERS. Needless to say, we must put the safety of the people of Seoul above all other considerations.

It is time to share accurate information on MERS and work together to cope with the crisis. We must make concerted efforts to overcome the hardship caused by the outbreak.

We at the SMG will do what we can in cooperation with the central government to prevent the spread of the disease and treat patients with the required expertise and care. We will pour all efforts into protection of people’s safety. We will check to see whether we have done enough, and we will take stronger measures where necessary.

With regards to those who have been in contact with MERS-positive patients, we will take measures to separate them from others, while providing support for them in terms of meals and daily supplies. We will put the elderly and infirm among them in safer places.

We will make positive efforts to provide information on things like how to prevent MERS, what its symptoms are, where to report MERS patients, and so on. The 120 Dasan Call Center will be established to provide MERS-related counseling around the clock. The SMG Anti-MERS Headquarters will be separated on an emergency basis in cooperation with the central government’s headquarters. Local public health centers will treat suspected-MERS patients and those with related symptoms in separation from the others.

All parties concerned need to take part in the efforts to prevent the spread of MERS. First of all, we would like all people to be very careful about personal hygiene and follow relevant instructions by officials and medical professionals to prevent the contraction of the disease.

Those kept in isolation facilities should follow instructions from the medical staff. We at the SMG will do what we can to take care of patients, build trust among people, and ease people’s concerns.

It is time to work together to remedy the situation caused by MERS, as we have done in other times of need. Please take part in our efforts to prevent the rapid spread of MERS.